Since the onset of the Industrial Revolution in the late 18th century, human activities have significantly increased greenhouse gas emissions, primarily from burning fossil fuels and deforestation. These emissions trap heat in the Earth’s atmosphere, leading to global warming and climate change. Over the past century, the Earth’s average surface temperature has risen by approximately 1.2 degrees Celsius (2.2 degrees Fahrenheit), with significant warming observed in recent decades. This warming trend has led to melting glaciers, rising sea levels, more frequent and intense heatwaves, changes in precipitation patterns, and disruptions to ecosystems worldwide. Scientists widely agree that human activities are the primary driver of this warming trend, and urgent action is needed to mitigate its impacts and transition to a more sustainable future.
This is especially clear as we reflect on this past year of 2023. The year of 2023 was just reported to be the hottest year the Earth has experienced. Along with the historic heat, the Antarctic sea ice coverage dropped to a record low in 2023. The numerous effects of this record high temperature year is clear to see and poses many more threats to the stability of the environment.
To combat this, there are a few possible ways. Continued efforts such as propositions from Cop-28 (check out that blog) could have an even greater emphasis. Countries and country leaders could recognize the harm this past year has done and realize that these efforts are necessary to maintain the environment. Additionally, simple steps could be taken to aware the entire public of this grand matter, so the average person can make steps toward reducing their carbon footprint. Of course there are many possible ways that this issue could be targeted, but it requires cooperation among the whole world. This is not a single country problem- it is a global issue that necessitates responses.
The future of the environment is in our hands, and hopefully 2024 will be more progressive in terms of global warming and climate change to hopefully mitigate the many implications.
Ayan Kumar's Blog 